Spurs' Dylan Harper and Julian Champagnie Embrace Dream Matchup Against Hometown Knicks in NBA Finals

As the San Antonio Spurs prepare for the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, two of their rising stars are set to have a significant homecoming. Rookie Dylan Harper, hailing from New Jersey, and Julian Champagnie, a Brooklyn native, are both excited to face their hometown team on the sport's biggest stage.

Harper, aged 20, made his mark at Don Bosco Prep High School in Ramsey, NJ, and spent a year at Rutgers University before being selected second overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Champagnie attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School before continuing his basketball journey at St. John's University. After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder to secure their Finals spot, both players expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming clash at Madison Square Garden.

"It's going to be a fun one," Harper stated, reflecting on the significance of the matchup. "I think they kind of got us in the [NBA] Cup, like you said, got us when we went there. We pulled out a close one at home. I think for us it comes down to doubling down on what we're good at... I feel like it's a great matchup." He added, "For me, my dream has always been to play in The Garden in the NBA Finals and I get to do that my first year. I'm not gonna take nothing for granted."

Having frequently attended Knicks games growing up just a short drive from the arena, Harper is anticipating a flood of ticket requests. "I know there's going to be a whole lot of tickets I'll be asked for, but my phone's going to be off for that," he remarked. "It's a dream come true, it's a blessing. It's kind of where I've always wanted to play at for the Finals."

Champagnie echoed similar sentiments, recalling his experiences playing at The Garden while at St. John's. "That's every kid's dream," he noted. "Being that now we get to go play them for a championship? That's personal." He is eager to showcase his talent in front of family and friends, who have yet to attend any of his games this season.

Confident in his team's ability to handle the passionate Knicks fans, Champagnie shared, "I don't think we're too worried about the fans. Obviously me being from New York, I know how they get... I'm 100 percent sure that the same way Knicks fans will travel, San Antonio fans will travel." With the Knicks entering the Finals on a playoff-record 11-game winning streak, Harper and Champagnie face a formidable challenge ahead.

Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, at 8:30 p.m. in San Antonio.